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Security and Risk Analysis Minor

The use of the Internet in our daily professional and personal lives is increasing our dependence on digitized data and networking. This dependence has increased the importance of securing the digitized data and gaining a thorough understanding of the source of threats, such as terrorists, disgruntled employees, and unsafe software.

Because of the enforcement of laws such as the Sarbanes Oxley Act and HIPAA, businesses must look for employees who have a thorough understanding of those laws as well as the requirements of the laws using information systems.

The Security and Risk Analysis minor will introduce students to some of these issues. Students will learn about different kinds of threats to businesses, how to evaluate risks involved in use of information systems, and methods to secure the network and digitized information.

Penn State Beaver's close proximity to the CERT Division, Software Engineering Institute, based at Carnegie Mellon University, gives students access to guest lectures given by some of the world's leading security and risk analysis scientists. In addition, Beaver has a network security laboratory which is dedicated solely for students who are pursuing the Security and Risk Analysis minor.

The minor's requirements include completing 21 credits, as indicated below:

Prescribed Courses (15 credits):

IST 110: Introduction to Information, People and Technology (3)

SRA 111: Introduction to Security and Risk Analysis (3)

SRA 211: Threat of Terrorism and Crime (3)

SRA 221: Overview of Information Security (3)

IST 452: Legal and Regulatory Environment of Privacy and Security (3)

In addition, six credits in a focus area are required. Currently, Beaver's focus area is Network Security:

See Also

Penn State Beaver

100 University Drive

Monaca, PA15061

724-773-3800

Situated on 105 wooded acres just 40 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, Penn State Beaver features small class sizes, a close-knit community, award-winning faculty, and access to all of the opportunities of a Big Ten university.